Thinking About Retirement? Seattle Is One of the Most Expensive Cities to Retire—Here’s What to Know (and How I Can Help!)

Blog Marta Rodriguez May 8, 2025

If you're nearing retirement and dreaming of your next chapter, it's time to take a serious look at where—and how—you want to live. According to a recent Investopedia article, Seattle ranks among the top 10 most expensive cities to retire in the U.S. While our city offers unbeatable views, cultural vibrancy, and top-tier amenities, it comes at a price—especially for retirees on a fixed income.

With a median home value over $811,000 and monthly housing costs hovering around $2,200, Seattle's cost of living can quickly eat into your retirement savings. And it's not just housing: healthcare costs are climbing, and everyday expenses like transportation and groceries remain well above national averages.

It Might Be Time to Rethink Your Retirement Strategy

As a local real estate broker, I’ve helped many Seattle residents navigate this exact transition. If you're feeling the pressure of rising costs—or just want to explore your options—here are a few important considerations:

1. Seattle Isn’t Alone

Other cities on the Investopedia list include:

San Diego, CA – Idyllic weather, sky-high housing costs
New York City, NY – World-class culture, equally world-class expenses
Key West, FL – Paradise living with a luxury price tag
Castle Rock, CO and Flagstaff, AZ – Outdoor havens with growing price tags
Even smaller towns like Delaware, OH and Moyock, NC are feeling the pinch as demand surges

2. Consider Alternative U.S. Markets

You don’t have to leave the country to find a retirement haven. Regions in the Pacific Northwest, Midwest, or Southeast can offer a slower pace of life and significantly more affordability—and I can help you explore these markets too. Whether it's relocating nearby or out of state, I have a trusted network of real estate professionals across the country.

3. Dreaming Bigger? Think Global.

Overseas destinations like Portugal, Spain, and Costa Rica are drawing attention for their lower costs, excellent healthcare systems, and beautiful surroundings. Whether it’s sipping wine in the Douro Valley or enjoying seaside walks in Valencia, there’s a world of opportunity for retirees ready to embrace adventure.

Here are some top international destinations offering a lower cost of living, quality healthcare, and a lifestyle that rivals high-cost U.S. cities:

🇪🇸 Spain

Top spots: Valencia, Málaga, San Sebastián, Mallorca

Mediterranean climate, excellent public healthcare, walkable cities
Rich culture, coastal and mountain access, vibrant expat communities

🇵🇹 Portugal

Locations to consider: Lisbon, Cascais, Porto, Algarve

Sunny weather, tax incentives for retirees, great food and wine
Friendly locals, solid infrastructure, easy residency options

🇲🇽 Mexico

Expats love: San Miguel de Allende, Mérida, Lake Chapala, Oaxaca

Colonial charm, affordable healthcare, warm climate
Close to the U.S., rich culture, strong expat networks

🇨🇷 Costa Rica

Nature-first lifestyle with rainforests, beaches, and volcanoes
Stable democracy, excellent private healthcare
Popular with retirees for its Pensionado Visa and laid-back lifestyle

🇫🇷 Southern France

Regions: Occitanie, Provence, Languedoc

Access to vineyards, historical towns, Mediterranean coast
Rich in culture, food, and relaxed pace of life

🇬🇷 Greece

Destinations: Crete, Nafplio, Thessaloniki

Low cost of living, island lifestyle, welcoming expat presence
Fresh food, deep history, and affordable real estate outside tourist hubs

🇮🇹 Italy

Budget-friendly regions: Abruzzo, Le Marche, Sicily

World-class cuisine, vibrant towns, and scenic countryside
Lower property costs outside major cities like Rome and Milan

📊 Side-by-Side Comparison

Feature	Spain	Portugal	Mexico	Costa Rica	Southern France	Greece	Italy
Cost of Living	40–60% lower than U.S.	40–65% lower than U.S.	50–70% lower than U.S.	45–65% lower than U.S.	30–50% lower than U.S.	40–60% lower than U.S.	40–60% lower than U.S.
Healthcare	Excellent, affordable public & private	Excellent public & private care	Good private healthcare	Excellent private options	Universal system, private add-ons	Affordable, growing quality	Public system + private care
Visa/Residency	Non-lucrative, Golden Visa	D7 Retirement Visa	Temporary or permanent residency	Pensionado Visa	Long-stay visa, retirement options	Retirement visa available	Elective Residency Visa
Climate	Mediterranean	Coastal, sunny summers	Tropical or highland options	Tropical year-round	Mediterranean	Mild winters, hot summers	Varied: coastal to alpine
Lifestyle	Walkable, cultural, vibrant	Relaxed, outdoorsy, coastal	Artistic, social, laid-back	Eco-minded, nature-focused	Wine, food, scenery, leisure	Traditional, slow-paced	Culinary, scenic, historic
Safety	High	Very high	Moderate to high	High	High	Moderate to high	High
Expats	Strong and growing communities	Well-connected expat hubs	Large, long-established	Strong and growing	Moderate but increasing	Emerging expat scenes	Increasingly popular

Bottom Line: You Have Options—And I'm Here to Help

Retirement is your chance to live life on your own terms. Whether you're ready to downsize in Seattle, relocate to a more affordable U.S. market, or chase a dream abroad, I can help guide your transition with knowledge, care, and a plan that supports your goals.

Have you considered relocating or spending part of the year abroad? Let us know which destinations are on your radar—we’d love to hear what’s inspiring your next chapter.

Let’s chat—your dream retirement might be more accessible than you think.

📩 [Contact me here] or send me a DM if you’re curious about your next steps!